MSG Exposed (Monosodium Glutamate)

Mike Blog, Obesity MSG, Obesity

Cheetos brand cheese curls have been around since 1948 which creator Charles Elmer Doolin developed for Fritos. They are created by blending together water and corn, pressure extruded through a die and dried with hot air to develop their unique form. The cheesy orange coating is where the MSG comes into play. Chip manufacturers love to add Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) to chips to give them an addicting quality.

Many years ago before educating myself on healthy eating I would devour almost an entire bag of chips like these,  as most typical Americans can probably identify with. Cheetos comes in many flavors and even in “natural” and “baked” versions which would give you the impression that they are somewhat more healthier, but as you will soon learn, it’s all marketing hype.

Cheetos Flamin’ Hot Ingredients with free Glutamate (MSG):

• Monosodium Glutamate, Autolyzed yeast extract, Hydrolyzed soy protein, Sodium caseinate

Natural Cheetos White Cheddar Puffs Ingredients with free Glutamate (MSG):

• Torula yeast*, Maltodextrin

Baked Cheetos Ingredients with free Glutamate (MSG):

• Monosodium Glutamate, Maltodextrin, Whey Protein Concentrate

Cheetos Crunchy Cheese Flavor Ingredients with free Glutamate (MSG):

• Monosodium Glutamate, Maltodextrin, Whey

*Torula Yeast contains free glutamate (MSG), it’s in the same family as Autolyzed Yeast Extract. It just sounds more “natural” and makes the label look clean. For those trying to avoid MSG they will think this product is okay, but it’s deceptive. Why would they hide it on the label if there wasn’t anything wrong with it? To Fool you! Don’t be fooled. Research and read this website to educate yourself. Also check out “Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills” by Russell Blaylock M.D.

Mike Blog, Products with MSG hidden sources of msg, monosodium glutamate, MSG, Products with MSG cheetos, sodium caseinate, sources of msg

Starving college kids will recognize this one. The portable noodle treat in a styrofoam cup. Just pour hot water, chomp, slurp and feel those brain neurons wither away. MSG loves destroying brain cells as much as you love eating it. It can only do what it was designed to do, make your food taste great at the expense of your health. I used to eat these a lot when I was younger, but I know better now. Nissin Cup O Noodles come in many flavors but unfortunately they all include monosodium glutamate (MSG).

For a list of Hidden Sources of MSG

Mike Blog, Products with MSG cup o noodles, monsodium glutamate, MSG, nissin, sources of msg

Shrimp flavored chips have been around for a long time, unfortunately so has the MSG that they are liberally laced with. These shrimp flavored chips are manufactured by Calbee.  The MSG in this product isn’t hiding in any obscure ingredient name, it’s just out in the open. Clean labels? We don’t need no stinking clean labels!

Ingredients:
Wheat flour, canola oil, modified food starch, shrimp, salt, monosodium glutamate.

Mike Blog, Products with MSG calbee, chips, monsodium glutamate, MSG, sources of msg

This morning I was watching the Food Network and saw a commercial for Yakisoba Noodles showing how good and yummy they are for kids. I knew right away that they contain MSG even though I’ve never heard of them before.

Usually if something is being sold as a great meal that kids will enjoy they almost always have loads of MSG in it. I did a quick search and it was confirmed. Not just monosodium glutamate but multiple forms of MSG including: monosodium glutamate, hydrolyzed corn, dehydrated soy sauce and chicken broth. Most people are unaware that soy sauce contains loads of free glutamate (MSG). Also almost all “chicken broth” or broth/stock of any kind that is made commercially contains MSG.

If something is listed as “Stock”, what exactly does that mean? That’s not one ingredient, it is mulitple ingredients listed under one general name and of course, they don’t have to tell you what’s in it. Even when “chicken/beef/vegetable stock” has “No MSG” on the label, they lie. It’s legal-ease. All that means is the product does not contain “Monosodium Glutamate” the straight up 100% version. But as the informed MSGEXPOSED reader will know, that actually means nothing. They can and do hide the MSG in other abiguous ingredients such as: broth, stock, hydrolyzed corn/soy/wheat/pea protein, autolyzed yeast extract, yeast extract, torula yeast, natural flavors etc etc. Anyways, this product doesn’t even disguise the MSG, it’s just there on the label in plain sight.

Mike Blog, Products with MSG hydrolyzed corn, maruchan, soy sauce, yakisoba

I used to eat Doritos when I was younger, crazy good flavors and addicting as hell. After growing up a bit and educating myself on the dangers of MSG (monosodium glutamate), now I know why they are so damn addicting. Virtually all flavored Doritos contain MSG (no, it’s not just in Chinese food, contrary to popular belief). MSG is also linked to obesity in laboratory rodents. All one needs to do is turn your products over and read the ingredients list. Today many food items contain various forms of MSG hidden in other “harmless sounding” ingredients such as Hydrolyzed Corn Protein, Autolyzed Yeast Extract or Sodium Caseinate. Please see our more complete list of hidden sources of MSG.

EXTREME MSG Dude!! Can you handle the dangerously bold brain neuron death?

List of Doritos Flavors that contain MSG:

• DORITOS® Blazin’ Buffalo & Ranch Flavored Tortilla Chips

• DORITOS® COLLISIONS® Hot Wings and Blue Cheese Flavored Tortilla Chips

• DORITOS® COLLISIONS® Pizza Cravers and Ranch Flavored Tortilla Chips

• DORITOS® COLLISIONS® Zesty Taco and Chipotle Ranch Flavored Tortilla Chips

• DORITOS® COOL RANCH® Flavored Tortilla Chips

• DORITOS® Diablo Flavored Tortilla Chips

• DORITOS® Last Call Jalapeno Popper Flavored Tortilla Chips

• DORITOS® NACHO CHEESE® Flavored Tortilla Chips

• DORITOS® Reduced Fat COOL RANCH® Flavored Tortilla Chips

• DORITOS® Reduced Fat NACHO CHEESE® Flavored Tortilla Chips

• DORITOS® Salsa Verde Flavored Tortilla Chips

• DORITOS® Spicy Nacho Flavored Tortilla Chips

• DORITOS® Spicy Sweet Chili Flavored Tortilla Chips

• DORITOS® Taco Flavored Tortilla Chips

• DORITOS® Tacos at Midnight Flavored Tortilla Chips

• DORITOS® Toasted Corn Tortilla Chips

• DORITOS® Toro Habanero Flavored Tortilla Chips

• BAKED! DORITOS® NACHO CHEESE® Flavored Tortilla Chips

• DORITOS® NACHO CHEESE® 100 Calorie Mini Bites Flavored Tortilla Chips

• DORITOS® NACHO CHEESE® Flavored Tortilla Chips 6 Count Singles

• DORITOS® NACHO CHEESE® Flavored Tortilla Chips 12 Count Singles

List of Doritos Chips that do not contain MSG:

• DORITOS® Toasted Corn Tortilla Chips

As you can see, I only found one Doritos Chips products without MSG, those are the plain ol’ regular corn chips. Which is about the only way you can avoid MSG if you want to eat chips. In virtually 99% of flavored chips, there is MSG, even in the organic and “natural” products. Some will contain Torula Yeast or Yeast Extract, which sounds very natural and harmless, but if you do your research you will know that Tah-Dah! There is MSG in those ingredients as well. If you want to enjoy some chips nowdays, you are usually safer to eat unflavored chips, be it corn, potato, flax seed etc. A tip: buy the unflavored chips and add your own seasonings that you Know does not have MSG, like cayanne pepper, chili powder, garlic, hot sauce or dip them in a mixture of basamic vinegar and olive oil.

Almost all of the flavors that contain MSG are in the form of straight up “Monosodium Glutamate”, however there is one flavor that I saw that did not contain Monosodium glutamate persay, but does contain MSG in the form of Sodium Caseinate, that is the Last Call Jalapeno Popper Flavored Tortilla Chips. Yes, this contains MSG as well, it’s just in a different form. If you care about the dangerous health effects of MSG you may want to avoid eating these products that contain it. As always: Read the Ingredient Label!

Mike Blog, Obesity, Products with MSG doritos, monosodium glutamate, MSG, sodium caseinate

Many Taco Bell menu items contain MSG (free glutamate)

People have told me that Taco Bell appears healthier to other fast food because it’s tacos and burritos rather than greasy burgers, but there it nothing further from the truth. Taco Bell has a cult-like following of loyal fans that crave their creative quasi-mexi-american food inventiveness. What most do not realize is there is massive amounts of free glutamate (MSG) stuffed into their food. This may be why people crave and eat this stuff many times a week and sometimes more than once a day! The proof is in the pudding MSG.

Taco Bell has worked hard to keep the words “Monosodium Glutamate” off of their ingredients list, but that doesn’t mean there is no MSG. MSG (free glutamate) is hidden in other more harmless looking ingredients in order to create a “clean label” or the illusion that a food is more natural or harmless than it really is. Many of these MSG containing ingredients are labeled as Autolyzed Yeast Extract, Hydrolyzed Chicken Meat, Calcium Caseinate, Chicken Broth and Natural Flavoring. Also see our list of Hidden Sources of MSG on Food Labels for more ingredients that contain MSG.

The following Taco Bell menu items contain various forms of MSG (free glutamate):

• Beef, Seasoned

• Chicken, Southwest

• Chicken, Spicy Shredded

• Chili

• Dressing, Avocado Ranch

• Red Strips, Lime Seasoned

• Rice, Express

• Rice, Seasoned

• Salsa, Citrus

• Sauce, Creamy Lime

• Sauce, Fire

• Sauce, Green Tomatillo

• Sauce, Nacho Cheese

• Sauce, Pepper Jack

• Sauce, Red

• Steak, Carne Asada

The following Taco Bell menu items contain Carrageenan*:

• Sour Cream, Reduced Fat

• Strawberry Topping

• Empanada, Caramel Apple

• Chicken, Spicy Shredded

• Chicken, Southwest

• Steak, Carne Asada

The following Taco Bell menu items contain BHT and/or TBHQ**:

• Chicken, Spicy Shredded

• 

  Taco Bell Fiesta Platter loaded up with MSG

  Eggs

• Sauce, Pizza

• Steak, Carne Asada

• Cinnamon Twists

• Empanada, Caramel Apple

• Nacho Chips

• Nacho Chips, Express

• Red Strips

• Red Strips, Lime Seasoned

• 

  The Seasoned Beef has MSG

  Rice, Express

• Rice, Seasoned

• Shell, Chalupa

• Shell, Pizza

• Shell, Taco

• Shell, Taco Salad

• Shell, Tostada

More information about these harmful additives

*A Note About Carrageenan

“Carrageenan increases free radicals. It is a polysaccharide made from a seaweed, the substance is known to produce intense inflammatory reactions when injected into tissues. In fact, the intense reaction is so reproducible it is used when researchers want to study inflammation. Inflammation is strongly associated with intense free-radical production within tissues. It also may promote accelerated bowel cancer growth.” Carrageenan is used as a thickener. When even small amounts of carrageenan are injected near developing tumors in animals, tumor growth, and eventual metastasis, increases dramatically¹.”
-Source: Excitotoxins: The Taste that Kills by Russell Blaylock M.D.

1.) Raz A, Levine G, Khomiak Y. Acute local inflammation potentiates tumor growth in mice. Cancer Letters 148(2000): 115-120

**Definition of TBHQ from Wikipedia:

TBHQ is a highly effective preservative for unsaturated vegetable oils and many edible animal fats. It does not cause discoloration even in the presence of iron, and does not change flavor or odor of the material to which it is added. It can be combined with other preservatives such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA). As food additive, its E number is E319, where it is used as a preservative. It is added to a wide range of foods, with highest limit (1000 mg/kg) permitted for frozen fish and fish products. Its primary advantage is enhancing storage life.

It is used industrially as a stabilizer to inhibit autopolymerization of organic peroxides. In perfumery, it is used as a fixative to lower the evaporation rate and improve stability. It is also added to varnishes, lacquers, resins, and oil field additives.

Carcinogenicity of TBHQ

In high doses, it has some negative health effects on lab animals, such as precursors to stomach tumors and damage to DNA.^[1] A number of studies have shown that prolonged exposure to TBHQ may induce carcinogenity.^[2] Other studies, however, have shown inhibition against HCA-induced carcinogenesis (by depression of metabolic activation) for TBHQ and other phenolic antioxidants.^[3]

1. ^ Tert-Butylhydroquinone – safety summary from The International Programme on Chemical Safety
2. ^ Gharavi N, El-Kadi A (2005). “tert-Butylhydroquinone is a novel aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligand”. Drug Metab Dispos 33 (3): 365–72. doi:10.1124/dmd.104.002253. PMID 15608132.
3. ^ Hirose M, Takahashi S, Ogawa K, Futakuchi M, Shirai T, Shibutani M, Uneyama C, Toyoda K, Iwata H (1999). “Chemoprevention of heterocyclic amine-induced carcinogenesis by phenolic compounds in rats”. Cancer Lett 143 (2): 173–8. doi:10.1016/S0304-3835(99)00120-2. PMID 10503899.

Mike Blog, Products with MSG autolyzed yeast extract, calcium caseinate, fast foods, hidden sources of msg, hydrolyzed protein, natural flavoring, taco bell

Studies showed MSG fed rodents became Grossly Obese

In 1969 Dr. John Olney was conducting experiments on mice using MSG (monosodium glutamate). (Mice are frequently used as test animals because they react most like humans to MSG). He was studying the microscopic changes in the brains of these mice when his assistant noticed that all of the mice given MSG had become grossly obese. They first thought it was a fluke but as the experiments continued he noticed that indeed all of the mice that were fed MSG became grossly obese.

Studies on laboratory animals fed MSG soon after birth also showed that they preferred foods that were high in carbohydrates and low in nutritional value^.1 Researchers also found that this fat could not be exercised off and was extremely difficult to remove through dieting, no matter how stringent.² Research shows that out of all mammals, humans are the most sensitive to the physical damage from ingested MSG. Humans possess a sensitivity five times greater than the mouse and twenty times greater than the rhesus monkey.³ Other studies have also confirmed that MSG causes gross obesity in animals.⁴ Taking into consideration that most of these laboratory experiments with MSG involve rodents, you can see how humans are much more susceptible to the damages of MSG laced food additives in our diet, not to mention the gross obesity linked to MSG consumption.

References:

1. Kanarek RB, Marks-Kaufman R. Increased carbohydrate consumption induced by neonatal administration of monosodium glutamate to rats. Neurobehavioral Toxicology Teratology 3(1981): 343-350
2. Nikoletseas MM. Obesity in exercising, hypophagic rats treated with monosodium glutamate. Physiology & Behavior 19(1977): 767-773
3. Blaylock R. M.D., Food Additives That Can Kill, Health & Nutrition Secrets that can Save your Life. (2002): 179
4. Bunyan J, Elspeth A, Murrell A, Shah PP. The induction of obesity in rodents by means of monosodium glutamate. British Journal of Nutrition 35(1976): 25-39

Mike Blog, Obesity dr olney, monsodium glutamate, MSG, Obesity, rodent studies

Have It Your Way? Well, if you care about avoiding the brain damaging additive MSG at Burger King, you’re not gonna get it your way. A large portion of their lunch menu items are highly loaded with Monosodium Glutamate and other forms of free glutamate/free glutamic acid. Of course, you should know that fast food is not health food in any respect, regardless of how the fast food chains market their products, they are typically highly loaded with excitotoxins. You may also want to read how MSG is linked to Obesity and also a study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Public Health published in the journal Obesity. Also, MSG Causes Rapid Brain Cell Death and Studies show MSG Fed Mice became Grossly Obese.

The following Burger King menu items contain Monosodium Glutamate (MSG):

• BREADED ORIGINAL CHICKEN PATTY (Fried): Monosodium Glutamate in the patty and ALSO breaded with Monosodium Glutamate

• SPICY CHICK’N CRISP™ PATTY (Fried)

• Breaded TENDERCRISP® Chicken Filet (Fried Whole Muscle Breast)

• BK®CHICKEN FRIES (Fried)

• Crown Shaped CHICKEN TENDERS® (Fried)

• SAUSAGE (Fried)

• Sausage Gravy

The following Burger King menu items contain Autolyzed Yeast Extract:

• TENDERGRILL® CHICKEN FILET (grilled): Autolyzed Yeast Extract in the meat filet and ALSO glazed with Autolyzed Yeast Extract

• GARLIC PARMESAN CROUTONS – SALAD TOPPINGS Autolyzed Yeast extract

• LOADED POTATO Topping (for Steakhouse Burger)

• SMOKY CHEESE SAUCE

The King of MSG!

The following Burger King menu items contain MSG in the form of Sodium Caseinate:

• BISCUIT – Contains MSG (free glutamate) in the form of: Sodium Caseinate

• CROISSANT – Contains MSG (free glutamate) in the form of: Sodium Caseinate

The following Burger King menu items contain mulitple forms of MSG (free glutamate) in various forms:

BK VEGGIE® BURGER PATTY: Supplied by MORNINGSTAR FARMS® – Contains MSG (free glutamate) in the form of: Textured Vegetable Protein (TVP), Calcium Caseinate, Hydrolyzed Corn, Soy, and Wheat Protein, Autolyzed Yeast Extract, Natural Flavors

Also see our list of Hidden Sources of MSG on Food Labels.

Mike Blog, Products with MSG autolyzed yeast extract, burger king, fast foods, monosodium glutamate, sodium caseinate, sources of msg

Many Popular McDonalds food items contain MSG (free glutamate) from various sources.

A quick look at the McDonalds ingredient list on their website makes it absolutely clear to the MSG informed. McDonalds food contains MSG (free glutamate) in many of their most popular food items. Do you eat Chicken McNuggets or Premium Chicken Breast Strips because you think they may be healthier than other things at McDonalds? If you understand at all what MSG (free glutamate) does to your body (obesity), brain, endocrine system, then you’ll want to know what to stay away from food-wise. I can’t recommend people not eat at McDonalds at all because that’s not my place, but it’s fast food and you know it’s not health food. The list following are food items on the McDonalds menu that contain MSG (free glutamate) from various sources. The ingredients listed are known to contain or are typically suspected to contain MSG (free glutamic acid) unless noted otherwise. The underlined ingredients are huge give-aways and Always contain MSG (free glutamate/glutamic acid). Also see our list of Hidden Sources of MSG on Food Labels.

Big Mac® Sauce:

• Vegetable Protein (hydrolyzed corn, soy and wheat)

Chicken Selects® Premium Breast Strip:

• Seasoning (Autolyzed Yeast Extract, maltodextrin, chicken broth, natural flavor)

Grilled Chicken Breast Filet:

• Seasoning (maltodextrin, spices, autolyzed yeast extract, hydrolyzed (corn gluten, soy, wheat gluten), chicken broth, natural flavors

Southern Style Crispy Chicken Breast Filet:

• Yeast Extract, Carrageenan***, maltodextrin, natural flavors

Chicken McNuggets contain MSG (free glutamate).

French Fries

• Natural Beef Flavor CONTAINS: WHEAT AND MILK (Natural beef flavor contains hydrolyzed wheat and hydrolyzed milk as starting ingredients)

Chicken McNuggets®:

• Chicken Flavor (Autolyzed Yeast Extract, natural flavoring)

Barbeque Sauce:

• Soy Sauce

Sweet ‘N Sour Sauce:

• Soy Sauce

Creamy Ranch Sauce:

• Monosodium glutamate,

Yes the fries have MSG. It's beef flavoring that is hydrolyzed.

Chili Lime Tortilla Strips:

• Autolyzed Yeast Extract, maltodextrin, citric acid

Grilled Chicken Breast Filet:

• Autolyzed Yeast Extract, Hydrolyzed (corn gluten, soy, wheat gluten) proteins, chicken broth, natural flavors

Newman’s Own® Low Fat Family Recipe Italian Dressing:

• Hydrolyzed soy protein, citric acid

Sausage Patty:

• Whey protein concentrate, monosodium glutamate, citric acid, BHA and BHT** Note: BHA & BHT do not contain MSG but there are other health risks. The International Agency for Research on Cancer, part of the World Health Organization, consider BHA to be possibly carcinogenic to humans, and the State of California has listed it as a carcinogen. Some studies show the same cancer causing possibilities for BHT

Southern Style Chicken Sandwich has MSG (free glutamate)

Hash Browns:

• Natural Beef Flavor (wheat and milk derivatives) Note: Natural beef flavor contains hydrolyzed wheat and hydrolyzed milk as starting ingredients.
  

Sausage & Scrambled Egg Mix:

• Monosodium Glutamate

Southern Style Crispy Breakfast Chicken Breast:

• Yeast Extract, carrageenan***, maltodextrin, natural flavor

***A Note About Carrageenan

“Carrageenan increases free radicals. It is a polysaccharide made from a seaweed, the substance is known to produce intense inflammatory reactions when injected into tissues. In fact, the intense reaction is so reproducible it is used when researchers want to study inflammation. Inflammation is strongly associated with intense free-radical production within tissues. It also may promote accelerated bowel cancer growth.” Carrageenan is used as a thickener. When even small amounts of carrageenan are injected near developing tumors in animals, tumor growth, and eventual metastasis, increases dramatically¹.”
-Source: Excitotoxins: The Taste that Kills by Russell Blaylock M.D.

1.) Raz A, Levine G, Khomiak Y. Acute local inflammation potentiates tumor growth in mice. Cancer Letters 148(2000): 115-120

Mike Blog, Products with MSG autolyzed yeast extract, carrageenan, chicken broth, fast foods, hidden sources of msg, hydrolyzed corn protein, hydrolyzed soy protein, hydrolyzed wheat protein, maltodextrin, monosodium glutamate, MSG, natural flavoring, seasoning, sour, yeast extract